stalk
1
[ stawk ]
/ stɔk /
noun
the stem or main axis of a plant.
any slender supporting or connecting part of a plant, as the petiole of a leaf, the peduncle of a flower, or the funicle of an ovule.
a similar structural part of an animal.
a stem, shaft, or slender supporting part of anything.
Automotive.
a slender lever, usually mounted on or near the steering wheel, that is used by the driver to control a signal or function: The horn button is on the turn-signal stalk.
Origin of stalk
1
1275–1325; Middle English
stalke, apparently equivalent to Old English
stal(u) stave +
-k diminutive suffix
OTHER WORDS FROM stalk
stalk·like, adjectiveWords nearby stalk
stalinism,
stalinist,
stalino,
stalinogrod,
stalinsk,
stalk,
stalk-eyed,
stalked,
stalked puffball,
stalker,
stalking
Definition for stalk (2 of 2)
stalk
2
[ stawk ]
/ stɔk /
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
an act or course of stalking quarry, prey, or the like: We shot the mountain goat after a five-hour stalk.
a slow, stiff stride or gait.
Origin of stalk
2
1250–1300; Middle English
stalken (v.), representing the base of Old English
bestealcian to move stealthily,
stealcung stalking (gerund); akin to
steal
OTHER WORDS FROM stalk
stalk·a·ble, adjective stalk·er, nounExample sentences from the Web for stalk
British Dictionary definitions for stalk (1 of 2)
stalk
1
/ (stɔːk) /
noun
the main stem of a herbaceous plant
any of various subsidiary plant stems, such as a leafstalk (petiole) or flower stalk (peduncle)
a slender supporting structure in animals such as crinoids and certain protozoans, coelenterates, and barnacles
any long slender supporting shaft or column
Derived forms of stalk
stalked, adjective stalkless, adjective stalklike, adjectiveWord Origin for stalk
C14: probably a diminutive formed from Old English
stalu upright piece of wood; related to Old Frisian
staal handle
British Dictionary definitions for stalk (2 of 2)
stalk
2
/ (stɔːk) /
verb
noun
the act of stalking
a stiff or threatening stride
Derived forms of stalk
stalker, nounWord Origin for stalk
Old English
bestealcian to walk stealthily; related to Middle Low German
stolkeren, Danish
stalke
Medical definitions for stalk
stalk
[ stôk ]
n.
A slender or elongated support or structure, as one that connects or supports an organ.
Scientific definitions for stalk
stalk
[ stôk ]
The main stem of a plant.
A slender structure that supports a plant part, such as a flower or leaf.
A slender supporting structure in certain other organisms, such as the reproductive structure in plasmodial slime molds or the part of a mushroom below the cap.
A slender supporting or connecting part of an animal, such as the eyestalk of a lobster.